Process Engineer

Autumn Harp; Essex Junction (VT); On-site; USD 79,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Autumn Harp is seeking a Process Engineer to solve manufacturing challenges, improve processes, and translate ideas into tangible results on the floor. You will work closely with production and cross-functional teams to optimize yield, reduce waste, and strengthen error-proof practices.

This role blends technical analysis with hands-on problem-solving in a cosmetics manufacturing environment, requiring collaboration across functions and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Cosmetics manufacturing experience preferred.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work in a team and in a cGMP environment.
• Familiarity with CAD/3D modeling and automation controls is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor production processes to ensure consistency with methods and quality standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost efficiency, yield, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot production issues and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Support initiatives to reduce waste, downtime, and rejects.
• Develop and improve production methods, standards, and operating practices.
• Lead engineering projects to improve production rates and standardize processes.
• Support corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Introduce error-proofing ideas to simplify operator tasks.
• Contribute to automation and digitization initiatives.
• Provide guidance to production staff and collaborate across departments.

Skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Process optimization

Automation experience

cGMP experience

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Chemical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD/3D modeling

Industrial automation controls

Job description

We’re looking for a Process Engineer who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and seeing ideas translate into meaningful results on the manufacturing floor.In this role, you’ll work closely with production and cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes, troubleshoot challenges, increase efficiency, optimize yield, and reduce waste and downtime. You’ll also support automation and digitization initiatives to strengthen and support error proof practices and procedures to make operator task easier and less prone to error.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys combining technical expertise, analytical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving in a collaborative manufacturing environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Monitor production processes to ensure consistency with established methods, quality standards, and operational expectations.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, yield, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot production and processing issues and help develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Support initiatives to reduce rejects, off-spec material, downtime, and B-grade generation.
• Develop and improve production methods, process standards, and operating practices.
• Implement assigned engineering projects designed to improve production rates and standardize processes.
• Support corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts to address recurring manufacturing challenges.
• Identify opportunities for error-proofing and recommend improvements that make operator tasks easier and less prone to error.
• Contribute to automation and digitization initiatives that advance manufacturing capabilities.
• Recommend solutions that improve safety, working conditions, efficiency, and product quality.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production employees as appropriate.
• Collaborate with team members across the organization to support operational and business priorities.

Required Skills:

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering or related discipline.
• Good understanding of the products, material science and equipment involved in manufacturing.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work in and support a cGMP environment.
• Knowledge in cosmetics and skin care products preferred.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with industrial automation controls is a plus.
• Experience with CAD/3D modeling software a plus.
• Fabrication skills or mechanical aptitude a plus.
• Work requires the application of a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents used in combination. Frequently, the application of multiple technical activities is employed; analytic ability and inductive thinking are required.
• Must be able to understand and creatively solve processing / production problems.
• Must be able to support and implement new ways to approach problems.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy being hands-on and connected to the manufacturing floor.
• Approach problems with curiosity and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Are comfortable analyzing a process, identifying the root of a problem, and developing a path forward.
• Can balance technical requirements with practical production needs.
• Enjoy working collaboratively with operators, technical teams, and other departments.
• Are motivated by measurable improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.

Physical Requirements:

• Climbing ladders and stairs to access plant equipment.
• Working around perfumes and fragrances on a daily basis.

If you’re an engineer who enjoys solving real manufacturing challenges, collaborating with others, and continuously looking for better ways to work, we’d welcome the opportunity to hear from you.

Annual Salary Range - $79,000 - $90,000/annually